Simmering Water

These hands prepare your dinner,

because that is the extent

of love I can let them show for you

in the open.

 

They select herbs

with the same discernment they would use

in choosing the silk

I would drape my body with

before presenting it to you, shyly

with great longing and much fanfare

in stolen moments

were they yours to give.

 

They prepare the entrée

as tenderly as they would seduce your flesh

each movement of knife and fork

become tiny kisses upon

your hand or along the length

of your spine.

 

and they know 100 ways

to prepare chicken because

there are 100 different ways to love a man

using just a kiss and I wish

time and space were ours to explore

each one in full detail

with you, slow roasting in the heat

of a night made for two

 

but since they are not

I simply will become a better cook

by imagining it is you

for whom I am mincing garlic

and simmering water.

 

Reviews

[emmajoy]

I smiled at the last phrase, imagining the effort involved in making that would.be perfect meal. Or, as your ripe imagination flies, the creating of a perfect affair - be it permanent or passing. Your desire to please in every way is more than obvious, Rachael. Methinks you're feeling happier!

'Simmering is more than a passionate word in this post!

'. and they know 100 ways ~ to prepare chicken because .. there are 100 different ways to love a man ~ using just a kiss..'

[Marie Anzalone]

Oh don't you know, Emma?- it is all about practicing and prefecting and learning the medium. When I love someone, my imagination is always on. The Greeks had 6 different ways to love: friendship, romantic, universal, long-standing, etc. All are equally important... and to me, a lifelong love affair with the culinary arts gives one much to ponder in maintainign the interest and desire and wonder in a lifelong romance, too. Don't you think?

[emmajoy]

As I love to cook and cook to love.. guess the answer has to a resounding YES!

[Marie Anzalone]

could not agree more :-D

[emmajoy]

thought you might!

[emmajoy]

thought you might!

[Jack...]

Marie, this poem is the recipe for something delicious...even if it sounds like you will be dining alone. I like how you mixed the food prepartion with how you feel about this person. Very nicely done.

[Marie Anzalone]

Thanks for the review, Jack. I have been away, mending some broken things, and am just finally getting the nerve up to write and review and interact again. It has been a hard summer and fall. As for the wrods of your review... I see it as practice. Every act we do between now and the end of our lives is an opportunity to practice love, forgiveness, kindness, boundaries, and our own truth. Cooking is not much different than sex, really- you have to hone your technique, and mix it up, and use a steady and practiced and loving hand if you want good results. Even if you are just cooking for yourself. ;-)

[Jack...]

It is very nice to hear from you again. Welcome back.

[Marie Anzalone]

thank you, Jack. I was not sure if it would happen or not, but it is nice to be welcomed warmly. much appreciated.